So I've started on the South Beach Diet. Which seems rather interesting. I think what I like most about it is that there is no special food to buy, that I can enjoy the things I have eaten before (let's face it, I am not going to give them up forever) as long as it's in moderation, and I am learning to enjoy some new foods that I might have otherwise not enjoyed.

I have to lose 18kg/39lbs more by the end of the summer, which should be possible. BUT, I have to lose 8kg/18lbs of that by the end of June, which is going to be challenging and aggressive. But then again, I waited so long to get serious that I will just have t suffer the consequences.

Well, I don't know quite exactly to say about it. The basics are you "diet" in 3 phases. Phase 1 is a strict phase which basically reduces carb intake by removing starches and re-adjusts glycemic (sugar) levels of the body...that lasts about 2 weeks. You are also supposed to drop about 3-6 kgs during this time as well. Phase 2 lasts as long as you want it to...it's goal is to re-introduce most (not all) of the things you had in exclude in Phase 1, except eating less of them or making better choices (e.g. wheat bread or brown rice instead of white bread and white rice). You are supposed to follow that until you get to your target weight. And then Phase 3 is basically everything in moderation, and you move amongst the phases based on what you think your needs are.

Of course, I have increased the exercise because i think both work well together.

I guess it appealed to be because I am not a dieter by nature, but I do recognise that I need to improve my eating habits.